looking up

Things have definitely been looking up for the Yanks over the past two weeks. Not only have they cut the AL East deficit by several games but overall they are playing much better in all facets of the game.

The starting pitching has been much better with the exception of the fifth starter position. Look for the Yanks to send down Tyler Clippard for some more seasoning and bring up Kei Igawa. He has been down on the farm working on a new motion and his command and has been doing well. Hopefully he can be a boost at the #5 spot in the rotation. The better starts that the Yanks have been getting by the rotation has led to less work overall by the bullpen. The bullpen has been much better because of having to get less outs per game. Their flaws (every bullpen has them) have been hidden a bit with the limited action that has been required of them.

The Yankee defense has been improved greatly by the insertion of Cairo to replace Phelps and Melky Cabrera to replace Damon. In a way, the injury to Giambi has been a boost. That left the DH postion available for Damon, allowing the defensive switch in CF.

Yankee fans have to feel a lot better about the team overall as it stands right now. Look for the Yanks to try to get that one arm to help out in the bullpen. It would be nice to get that 8th inning stud. They also will be looking to upgrade at 1B, although I don't know if any of the people available will be worth the pricetag. The obvious choice would be Texiera from Texas, but he is a Scott Boras client, so you only get him for 1.5 years before he hits free agency. Texas is asking for a top of the line prospect like Phil Hughes, and the upgrade there is not worth the cost, especially for a guy that is likely gone after the 2008 season.